Attempt to sneak impotence medicine into prison thwarted

Updated 2:50 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2018

Photo: AP

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This undated photo provided by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office shows smoking tobacco, cell phones and doses of suboxone that were thrown into the prison yard at the Caledonia Correctional Institution in Tillery, North Carolina, on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2018. A suspect was later arrested and charged with multiple counts. (Halifax County Sheriff’s Office via AP) less

This undated photo provided by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office shows smoking tobacco, cell phones and doses of suboxone that were thrown into the prison yard at the Caledonia Correctional Institution in ... more

Photo: AP

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This undated photo shows Abel Zeratsion, who’s accused of smuggling contraband into a North Carolina prison on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2018. Zeratsion is charged with possession of a controlled substance at a prison and attempt to furnish phones to inmates among other counts. (Halifax County Sheriff’s Office via AP) less

This undated photo shows Abel Zeratsion, who’s accused of smuggling contraband into a North Carolina prison on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2018. Zeratsion is charged with possession of a controlled substance at a ... more

Photo: AP

Attempt to sneak impotence medicine into prison thwarted

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TILLERY, N.C. (AP) — Deputies thwarted an attempt to smuggle impotence medicine, cellphones and tobacco into a North Carolina prison.

A Halifax County Sheriff's Office news release says the suspect was spotted throwing the contraband over a fence into the prison yard at the Caledonia Correctional Institution on Wednesday morning.

Deputies say the bag included a pound of smoking tobacco, 10 cellphones with chargers, synthetic marijuana, painkillers and 13 doses of sexual dysfunction medicine. About 1,000 male inmates are held at the prison, which also includes a working farm.

Authorities say 33-year-old Abel Zeratsion of Winston-Salem was arrested in a traffic stop nearby and charged with possession of a controlled substance at a prison and attempting to furnish phones to inmates, among other charges.